Gulf of California: Authorities losing hope for seven Americans lost at sea

The search continues for seven Americans lost at sea after their boat capsized in the Gulf of California. One American was confirmed dead in the accident, while 16 crew members and 19 tourists were rescued.

A sailor scans the sea in the search for the missing American tourists. What was supposed to be a week of fishing in the Gulf of California turned into a nightmare after the tourists' boat capsized early Sunday morning.

Jorge Duenes/Reuters

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The search for the seven missing Americans who were on a fishing boat that capsized in the Gulf of California on Sunday continues. But some authorities are losing hope of rescuing the men alive.

Mexican Navy Capt. Benjamin Pineda Gomez said that with the warm weather and water temperature in the Gulf of California, it's still possible that the missing tourists are alive, reports the Associated Press.

One American, whose identity has yet to be released, was confirmed dead in the accident. The other 19 tourists and 16 crew members were rescued by early Monday.

The 27 Americans had planned on a six-day fishing excursion, which was cut short early Sunday morning when their 115-foot vessel, the Erik, capsized in a storm. The boat was about 60 miles south of the port of San Felipe when it capsized, reports the Associated Press.

"I'm relieved I'l alive, but I'm scared for the people who haven't been found yet," Ng said to the Mercury News.

The group rented out the Erik from Baja Sportfishing. According to the Associated Press, the company's business license has been suspended, and all trips have been canceled. Although the business license is suspended according to the California Secretary of State, it is unclear whether it was suspended prior to the accident or after.